While the rise in popularity of vintage Rolex watches is of no surprise to aficionados, collectors and industry experts, when it comes to contemporary luxury wristwatches, Rolex is also often the first brand that springs to mind. Not only is the company revered for its precision timekeeping and impeccable craftsmanship, but its name was designed to be memorable.
Rolex's enviable worldwide recognition can be credited in part to the genius of company founder Hans Wilsdorf. When the German-born watch dealer and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, set up their London enterprise, in 1905, they called it Wilsdorf & Davis, according to the traditional formula.
But Wilsdorf was determined to come up with another name that was short, would look good on a watch dial and was easy to say and remember in several languages. In 1908, he trademarked the name Rolex, and by 1920, he had moved the company to Geneva and redubbed it as Montres Rolex S.A.
But the main reasons for the brand’s success are its aforementioned commitment to precision and unflagging pursuit of innovation. In 1926, the company introduced the aptly named Oyster model. With a screw-down crown and case back, both fitted with rubber gaskets, this was the first truly waterproof watch.
Five years later, Rolex upped the ante with the Oyster Perpetual. That model’s patented Perpetual movement contained a rotor mechanism enabling it to self-wind. In another trendsetting move, in 1945, the brand debuted the Datejust, with a date window prominently displayed on the dial.
The company’s two most iconic models are sports watches. Although the Submariner, which debuted in 1953, was developed as a dive watch, its waterproof case, solid construction and good looks made it a favorite of adventurers and urbanites alike, including James Bond, who wore it in classics like Dr. No and Goldfinger. The Daytona, the racing chronograph made famous by Paul Newman, is especially sought after by collectors. Newman’s personal Daytona, which hit the auction block in 2017, sold for $17.8 million.
Find vintage Rolex watches, bracelets and more on 1stDibs.
Rolex GMT Master 16758 NIPPLE DIAL 18K Yellow Gold Jubilee Band 40mm
By Rolex
Located in San Diego, CA
Style Number: 16758 Serial: 8370*** Year: 1984 Model: Rolex GMT Master Case Material: 18K Yellow Gold Band: 18K Yellow Gold Jubilee Band Bezel: Black Dial: Black Nipple Dial ...
18k Gold
Rolex GMT-Master Two Tone 18K Yellow Gold Steel Jubilee Watch Ref. 16753
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
The Rolex GMT-Master Ref. 16753 from the 1980s showcases the enduring appeal of one of the brand’s most recognizable travel watches. Crafted in a combination of stainless steel and 1...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Men's Watch 1675
By Rolex
Located in Dallas, TX
Rolex GMT-Master Stainless Steel & 18K Yellow Gold Men's Watch 1675 - Automatic winding. GMT-Master. Stainless steel with original rotating bezel with black insert (40mm diameter).. ...
Rolex GMT-Master II 116718LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A men's GMT-Master II wristwatch crafted in 18k yellow gold by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with applied hour markers, date aperture and a green second-time zone hand. Complementing...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
RARE, Rolex GMT-Master II Yellow Gold Green Dial & Ceramic Bezel Oyster Bracelet
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
18k yellow gold case with a 18k yellow gold rolex oyster bracelet. Bi-directional rotating, 18k yellow gold bezel. Green dial with yellow gold tone hands and luminous dots hour markers. Dial Tyle Analog. Luminescent hand and dial markers. Date display at the 3 o'clock position. automatic movement. scratch resistant sapphire crystal . case diameter 40mm. case thickness 12mm. round case shape. deployment clasp. waster resistant at 100 meters/ 330 feet. functions: date, hour, minute, second. luxury watch style. watch label. swiss made. Rolex Model 277200...
Yellow Gold
FACTORY DISCOUNTINUED ROLEX Yacht-Master White Dial 18K Yellow Gold Watch
By Rolex
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Pre Owned Vintage Rolex Model Yacht-Master 169628 Serial/Year Pre-Owned Case Diameter 40 mm Dial White Automatic 2235 movement, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, waterproof, screw...
Yellow Gold
Rolex GMT-Master II Two Tone Yellow Gold Black Dial
By Rolex
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
BRAND: Rolex MODEL: GMT Master II REFERENCE: 116713 SIZE: 40mm CASE: 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel DIAL: Black BEZEL: 18k Yellow Gold BAND: 18k Yellow Gold and Stainless Steel ...
Mixed Metal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage 1985 Rolex GMT-Master Two Tone Automatic Watch Ref 16753
By Rolex
Located in New York, NY
This 1985 Rolex GMT-Master reference 16753 is crafted in a combination of stainless steel and yellow gold, presenting the brand’s characteristic two-tone construction. The case is pa...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Rolex GMT-Master II 116713LN
By Rolex
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A GMT-Master II in stainless steel and yellow gold by Rolex. Featuring a black dial with a date aperture and a green second-time zone hand. The bidirectional rotatable bezel features...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Stainless Steel
1990 Rolex Day-Date President 18248 18K Yellow Gold Watch 36mm Box #23235
By Rolex
Located in Washington Depot, CT
1990 Rolex Day-Date President Watch Model: 18248 Serial: E840743 This classic Rolex Day-Date President watch is set in solid 18K yellow gold. 36mm case Champagne Dial with Day Date indicators and diamond markers Gold bark finish center band - fits up to 8" bracelet size - no additional links available - very slight stretch to band / very good condition Authentic Rolex bezel...
18k Gold
